Dynamic waterfall charts

ABSTRACT

A graphical chart indicating values for different types of shares of a business enterprise are described. A server can provide data representing price per share and enterprise values for a graphical chart. A selected enterprise value for the business enterprise can be received and values of different types of shares at that selected enterprise value can be determined. Data indicating the values of the different shares can then be provided for display upon the graphical chart.

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/804,852, entitled “Dynamic Waterfall Charts,” filed Nov. 6, 2017,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/509,396, entitled “Dynamic Waterfall Charts,” by Brogger, and filedon May 22, 2017. The content of the above-identified applications isincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to data processing, and in particular generatinga dynamic chart for calculating and displaying enterprise values.

BACKGROUND

The enterprise value of a business enterprise is based on differentclasses of stock. The enterprise value of the business enterprise istherefore based on the total amount of stock issued among the differentclasses issued at various times. For example, successive series roundsof venture capital funding can result in the sale of preferred stock.Thus, a series A round might result in a class of preferred stock soldto investors in exchange for their investment. The subsequent series Bround might also result also in preferred stock, but sold at a differentprice than the series A round. Common stock can also be issued. However,estimating the prices of all of the different types of stock atdifferent enterprise values for the business enterprise can bedifficult.

SUMMARY

Some of the subject matter described herein includes a method forgenerating a waterfall graphical chart indicating values of differenttypes of shares of a business enterprise based on a selected enterprisevalue of that business enterprise, comprising: generating, by aprocessor, the waterfall graphical chart having an x-axis indicating arange of enterprise values and a y-axis indicating a price per share,the waterfall graphical chart representing the price per share based onthe range of enterprise values for different types of shares of thebusiness enterprise, the different types of shares including one or bothof shares issued during a series round of venture capital financing orcommon shares; determining, by the processor, a position along thex-axis representing the range of enterprise values of an enterprisevalue indicator that is configured to move along the x-axis to allow auser to select the selected enterprise value; determining, by theprocessor, the enterprise value corresponding to the x-axis at theposition of the enterprise value indicator; determining, by theprocessor, values of the different types of shares based on the selectedenterprise value; and generating, by the processor, a graphical overlayupon the waterfall chart, the graphical overlay indicating the selectedenterprise value and the values of the different types of shares basedon the selected enterprise value.

Some of the subject matter described herein also includes a method,comprising: providing, by a processor, data associated with a graphicalchart representing a price per share based on a range of enterprisevalues for different types of shares of a business enterprise;determining, by the processor, a selected enterprise value for thebusiness enterprise based on a position of an enterprise value indicatoron the graphical chart; determining, by the processor, values of thedifferent types of shares based on the selected enterprise value; andproviding, by the processor, data representing the values of thedifferent types of shares for display upon the graphical chart.

In some implementations, the graphical chart includes an x-axisindicating the range of enterprise values and a y-axis indicating theprice per share.

In some implementations, determining the selected enterprise valueincludes: determining, by the processor, a position along the x-axisrepresenting the range of enterprise values of the enterprise valueindicator.

In some implementations, the position represents the selected enterprisevalue.

In some implementations, the different types of shares including one orboth of shares issued during a series round of venture capital financingor common shares.

In some implementations, the data representing the values of thedifferent types of shares are for display upon an overlay upon thegraphical chart.

In some implementations, the range of enterprise values is based oninformation associated with recorded venture capital transactions.

Some of the subject matter described herein also includes a computerprogram product, comprising one or more non-transitory computer-readablemedia having computer program instructions stored therein, the computerprogram instructions being configured such that, when executed by one ormore computing devices, the computer program instructions cause the oneor more computing devices to: provide data associated with a graphicalchart representing a price per share based on a range of enterprisevalues for different types of shares of a business enterprise; determinea selected enterprise value for the business enterprise based on aposition of an enterprise value indicator on the graphical chart;determine values of the different types of shares based on the selectedenterprise value; and provide data representing the values of thedifferent types of shares for display upon the graphical chart.

In some implementations, the graphical chart includes an x-axisindicating the range of enterprise values and a y-axis indicating theprice per share.

In some implementations, determining the selected enterprise valueincludes: determine a position along the x-axis representing the rangeof enterprise values of the enterprise value indicator.

In some implementations, the position represents the selected enterprisevalue.

In some implementations, the different types of shares including one orboth of shares issued during a series round of venture capital financingor common shares.

In some implementations, the data representing the values of thedifferent types of shares are for display upon an overlay upon thegraphical chart.

In some implementations, the range of enterprise values is based oninformation associated with recorded venture capital transactions.

Some of the subject matter described herein also includes a system,comprising: a database storing information associated with recordedventure capital transactions; and a processor circuit configured toprovide data associated with a graphical chart representing a price pershare based on a range of enterprise values for different types ofshares of a business enterprise that is a subject of the recordedventure capital transactions, determine a selected enterprise value forthe business enterprise based on a position of an enterprise valueindicator on the graphical chart, determine values of the differenttypes of shares based on the selected enterprise value, and provide datarepresenting the values of the different types of shares for displayupon the graphical chart.

In some implementations, the graphical chart includes an x-axisindicating the range of enterprise values and a y-axis indicating theprice per share.

In some implementations, determining the selected enterprise valueincludes: determine a position along the x-axis representing the rangeof enterprise values of the enterprise value indicator.

In some implementations, the position represents the selected enterprisevalue.

In some implementations, the different types of shares including one orboth of shares issued during a series round of venture capital financingor common shares.

In some implementations, the data representing the values of thedifferent types of shares are for display upon an overlay upon thegraphical chart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a dynamic waterfall chart.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of providing an overlay indicating pricinginformation for stock.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of funding histories.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a block diagram for providing a dynamicwaterfall chart.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of providing a pricing for stock atdifferent enterprise values of an initial public offering (IPO).

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a customized valuation estimation.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a device for providing a dynamicwaterfall chart.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an interface for fund investment.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a block diagram for automation a fundinvestment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure describes device and techniques for providing a dynamicwaterfall chart. In one example, a dynamic waterfall chart can begenerated and displayed to provide a user with a single chart that canindicate the values of the types of shares (e.g., preferred stock issuedwithin different series rounds, common stock, etc.) issued for abusiness enterprise based on different enterprise values. The values forthe shares can be provided via an overlay displayed on the dynamicwaterfall chart. Thus, at a given enterprise value, the estimated priceof all of the price of all of the types of shares can be determined andquickly provided to the user in an easy-to-understand manner.

In more detail, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a dynamic waterfallchart. In FIG. 1, chart 105 is a dynamic waterfall chart for a businessenterprise. Chart 105 includes an x-axis indicating an enterprise valuefor the business enterprise and a y-axis indicating a price per share ofthe business enterprise for shares 110 indicating that the businessenterprise has issued shares in a seed series, series A-G, and commonshares. The different shadings representing different portions of chart105 can indicate an estimated value per share for a type of share for aselected enterprise value. That is, the overall selected enterprisevalue can be composed of estimated values for the different types ofshares. For example, portion 115 can indicate the estimated value for apreferred stock issued in a series G round of venture financing. Portion120 can indicate the estimated value for a preferred stock issued in aseries F round of venture financing. As a result, the values for thedifferent types of shares can be depicted at the same time to provide auser with significant detail regarding the enterprise value of thebusiness enterprise,

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of providing an overlay indicating pricinginformation for stock. In FIG. 2, overlay 205 can be provided toindicate the various values of the different types of shares for a givenenterprise value in more detail. For example, if chart 105 is displayedon a webpage via a web browser on a user's computer (i.e., the chart 105is generated by a web server), then as the user selects differententerprise values (e.g., by moving a mouse cursor, selecting and movingan indicator 210 displayed on chart 105 via a touchscreen, etc.) thenoverlay 205 can be generated and displayed. Overlay 205 can provide thevalues of a single share of each type of share based on the selectedenterprise value. For example, in FIG. 2, indicator 210 is placed at anenterprise value of $26.38 billion, Thus, the web server generatingchart 105 can determine that the user wants to know an estimate for thedifferent values of the types of shares issued for the businessenterprise if it is valued at $26.38 billion. This can be determined andthe results can be displayed via overlay 205, providing the user with abreakdown detailing all of the values. For example, in FIG. 2, overlay205 indicates that the series G shares are valued at $48.77 and that theseries F shares are valued at $39.64. Thus, the user can be provideddynamically generated information regarding the values of the differenttypes of shares for different enterprise values. This can provide theuser with more insight regarding how much they should pay for thoseshares in an quick and easy-to-understand manner.

The user can also select to see the value of a single or a smaller groupof types of shares. For example, referring back to FIG. 1, theindividual types of shares indicated in shares 110 can be selected orde-selected to select to have information regarding certain types ofshares to be displayed via chart 105. For example, if the user is onlyinterested in viewing the values of series G and F shares, then thesecan be selected with the checkboxes next to the corresponding labels ofshares 110. This results in chart 105 only displaying informationrelated to series G and F shares.

The values of the shares and other related information of chart 105(e.g., the types of shares, etc.) can come from the funding history ofthe business enterprise. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of fundinghistories. In FIG. 3, funding history 305 can indicate the date, amount,type of share (e.g., seed, series A, series, B, etc.), valuation, andthe investors who purchased the shares. Summary cap table 310 canprovide, for each type of share, the number of authorized shares, theoriginal issued price, any liquidation multiples, and the percent ownedfor each type of share. The data from funding history 305 and summarycap table 310 can be used to generate chart 105 in FIGS. 1 and 2 andgenerate the information for overlay 205. For example, if it isdetermined that the user wants to know what the value of series G sharesare for the business enterprise at an enterprise value of $26.38billion, then the data from funding history 305 and summary cap table310 can be analyzed by the server and the value for the series G sharescan be determined accordingly. If the user next wants to know the valuefor the series G shares at a $45 billion enterprise value, then the usercan quickly manipulate chart 105 (e.g., by moving indicator 210 andplacing it at $45 billion on the x-axis) and overlay 205 can be updatedto provide the new information based on a $45 billion enterprise valueand the data from funding history 305 and summary cap table 310.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a block diagram for providing a dynamicwaterfall chart. In FIG. 4, a waterfall chart can be generated (405).For example, a user can use a web browser to browse to a website, openup a mobile phone application, etc. to manipulate a waterfall chart. Aserver can determine this and then generate or provide data for adynamic waterfall chart such as chart 105, and provide the correspondingdata back to the user's computing device for it to be displayed on adisplay screen of the user's computing device.

The user can manipulate the chart to select an enterprise value and,therefore, the server can determine the selected enterprise value (410).For example, in FIG. 2, the user can move indicator 210 left or rightalong the x-axis to indicate that he or she wishes to receive someinsight regarding the values of the different types of shares based on agiven enterprise value as represented by the x-axis. In FIG. 2, the usercan place indicator 210 at $26.38 billion along the x-axis to indicatethat he or she wishes to see the values of the shares if the businessenterprise is valued at $26.38 billion. Thus, the server can determinethe placement of the indicator along the x-axis, determine an enterprisevalue based on that position, and then determine the values of theshares based on that enterprise value, as discussed herein.

The values of the different types of shares based on the selectedenterprise value and share information can be determined (415). Forexample, if indicator 210 in FIG. 2 is at the x-axis position indicating$26.38 billion, then the values for the different types of shares can bedetermined, for example, by accessing the information regarding thetypes of shares represented by funding history 305 and summary cap table310 in FIG. 3. For example, the information depicted in FIG. 3 mighthave been uploaded onto the server previously (e.g., into a database)and that information can be analyzed to determine the values of thetypes of shares. The values can be different based on the position ofindicator 210, for example, because different positions of indicator 210represent different enterprise values for the business enterprise beingstudied. Funding history 305 and summary cap table 310 can also becaused to be displayed on the same or different webpage than chart 105so that the user can also see the information that it provides, forexample, they might want to know the key investors in each of thedifferent rounds of venture financing.

When the values of the share types is determined, an overlay can becaused to be generated by the server such that it is displayed for theuser (420). For example, overlay 205 in FIG. 2 can be providedindicating the enterprise value representing the position of indicator210 upon the x-axis and the values of the different types of shares. Insome implementations, the values can be displayed in descending orderfrom highest value to lowest value, or vice versa.

Many of the prior examples provide values of shares based on a merger &acquisition (M&A) activity at the enterprise value. However, the valuesbased on an initial public offering (IPO) can also be provided. FIG. 5illustrates an example of providing a pricing for stock at differententerprise values of an initial public offering (IPO). In FIG. 5, chart505 can be generated and provided to represent the values of shares ifan IPO occurs and the preferred shares were converted to common stock(e.g., the preferred shares of a series B round a depicted in FIG. 5converted to common shares). Thus, for different enterprise values asdictated by the IPO, the values of the different types of shares canalso be provided.

In some implementations, a user can toggle between chart 105 and 505 asdepicted in FIGS. 1 and 5, respectively. For example, the user caninitially see the values of the different types of shares in an M&Aoutcome, but then select a drop-down box and select an IPO option. Theserver can then update the chart to be displayed and provide chart 505.The user can then switch back to chart 105 by manipulating the drop-downbox.

Sometimes, a user might want to value an asset based on the activity ofonly some investors. For example, a user might consider one investorproviding venture financing to be too aggressive and, therefore, overlyvalue shares. Another investor might be more in line with the user's ownthinking regarding a possible enterprise value. FIG. 6 illustrates anexample of a customized valuation estimation. In FIG. 6, the variousinvestments into the business enterprise are provided and the user canselect the checkboxes to determine and display an enterprise value 615based on the selected transactions.

For example, the user might want to generate an enterprise value for abusiness enterprise. However, the user might want a more customizedenterprise value than merely considering all of the data available. Forexample, in FIG. 6, last primary round 605 can indicate the most recentround of financing for the business enterprise. Prior rounds 610 canindicate other publicly reported investments including the fund, date,source document (e.g., a document uploaded to the server indicating thedetails), type of share (e.g., series E), value, and implied enterprisevalue based on that round. The user might not consider some of theimplied enterprise values to be accurate. Thus, by selecting thecheckboxes, and not selecting the checkboxes for the transactions inwhich the user considers the implied enterprise values to be inaccurate,the user can request that a customized enterprise value 615 be generatedbased on the check-boxed transactions.

In some implementations, users can input the different holdings thatthey own. For example, if the user purchased series C shares for companyA at $X, and purchased series C shares for company B at $Y, then theycan input these onto the website. To provide the customer with anunderstanding of what their portfolio with these holdings might beworth, the information/data discussed herein can also be used todetermine the value of the customer's portfolio. As more rounds orinvestments are made, then the value of the user's portfolio can updatedaccordingly. Thus, the system can track investments and update the valueof the user's portfolio.

In some implementations, pre-defined non-traded equity sales can bemanaged. For example, in public markets, rule 10 b 5-1 plans allow forpeople with possession with material information to trade shares. Insome implementations, a similar system can be set up in the privatemarkets. Thus, a user can set up a plan, for example, on January 1indicating that on March 30, if the shares can be sold for at least $Xbut less than $Y then a Z amount of shares should be sold. Thisinformation can be provided via a graphical user interface (GUI) tofacilitate trades in the private markets.

Additionally, because information regarding various investments isstored, the activity of specific venture capitalists can also betracked. For example, a user can identify what venture capitalists haveinvested in, track the values of those investments, and identifytop-performing venture capitalists based on the data or information.Thus, a user can identify high-performing venture capitalists based onthe enterprise values. The user can then decide to make similarinvestments.

A user can also participate in a fund investment. FIG. 8 illustrates anexample of an interface for fund investment. FIG. 9 illustrates anexample of a block diagram for automation a fund investment. In FIG. 9,at block 905, a fund investment can be generated. For example, in FIG.8, fund dashboard 805 portrays a process for a user to participate in afund investment. For example, a funding platform can include funddashboard 805 to provide funding opportunities in a limited liabilitycorporation (LLC) created for a seller (e.g., a corporation sellingequity such as shares of its ownership) as a special purpose “vehicle”(SPV) or mechanism for buyers to purchase. Shares of the LLC cantherefore represent an opportunity to invest in for buyers.

For example, in FIG. 8, the fund investment indicates that the LLC isoffering 100,000 units or shares at $11 a share of a class type ofcommon shares. The total opportunity size is indicated as $10 millionand that the minimum investment amount to participate in the fundinvestment is $50,000. Additionally, some contextual informationregarding previous rounds of funding can be detailed, for example, thelast value per share, the date of the last funding, and valuation of thebusiness or issuer that is subject to the fund investment.

At block 910 in FIG. 9, documents can be provided to investors tocomplete to participate in the funding. For example, portion 810 of funddashboard 805 indicates that non-disclosure agreement (NDA) should besigned. If a user selects portion 810, the NDA can be provided to befilled out (e.g., signed and dated). This can ensure the confidentialityof the terms (e.g., share price, opportunity size, etc.) of the fundinvestment. After providing an executed NDA, this can be analyzed and ifdeemed to have been properly filled out, then the user can be allowed tofurther proceed to participate in the fund investment by advancing toportion 815. As more of portions 810-845 are completed, fundparticipation progress bar 850 advances until the completion percentageindicates 100%, which is indicative of the user completing all of thesteps (e.g., portions 810-845) to participate in the fund investment.

The other documents that are provided and/or filled out by the userinclude portion 815 providing an investor suitability questionnaire. Thequestionnaire can include questions for the user to answer. Based on theanswers, the user may be allowed to proceed with participating in thefund investment, or may be disallowed to participate. Portion 820 allowsa user to input how much the user desires to invest (e.g., $50,000).Next, at portion 825, the user can be provided a subscription agreementto sign and at portion 830 the user can be provided an operatingagreement to review and sign. The user can also be allowed to fill outtax-related forms such as portion 835 providing a request to fill out aW-9 for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide a name, address,taxpayer identification information (e.g., social security number), etc.

A portion 840, the user can provide (e.g., upload) a picture of agovernment issued identification such as a driver license, passport,etc. At portion 845, the user can wire their desired investment amountfrom portion 820. When all of portions 810-845 are completed, fundparticipation progress bar 850 advances to 100%.

Returning to FIG. 9, at block 915, the platform can receive all of thedocuments from the investors. When all of the investors are at 100%towards the fund participation progress bar 850, then the fund can beclosed at block 920. In some implementations, when the total opportunitysize is reached (e.g., $10 million in FIG. 8) then the fund can beclosed despite some users not advancing to 100% of the fundparticipation progress bar 850. Thus, some users might not have providedthe proper documentation to be allowed to participate in the investmentand, therefore, they can be excluded.

Representatives of the LLC can also counter-sign the documents ofportions 810-845. Once the investment fund is closed, the investors ownthe appropriate shares of the investment opportunity.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a device for providing a dynamicwaterfall chart and automation a fund investment. In FIG. 7, a userusing a computing device 703 (e.g., mobile phone, tablet, desktopcomputer, laptop computer, smart watch, etc.) can communicate withserver 702 implementing the techniques disclosed herein. For example,server 702 includes a processor 705 and memory 710 as well as othertypes of hardware such as non-volatile memory, an interface device, etc.to implement shares logic 730 providing the techniques disclosed herein.Various common components (e.g., cache memory) are omitted forillustrative simplicity. The assistant device is intended to illustratea hardware device on which any of the components described in theexample of FIGS. 1-6 (and any other components described in thisspecification) can be implemented. The components of the assistantdevice can be coupled together via a bus or through some other known orconvenient device.

The processor 705 may be, for example, a microprocessor circuit such asan Intel Pentium microprocessor or Motorola power PC microprocessor. Oneof skill in the relevant art will recognize that the terms“machine-readable (storage) medium” or “computer-readable (storage)medium” include any type of device that is accessible by the processor.Processor 705 can also be circuitry such as an application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs),field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), structured ASICs, etc.

The memory is coupled to the processor by, for example, a bus. Thememory can include, by way of example but not limitation, random accessmemory (RAM); such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM). Thememory can be local, remote, or distributed.

The bus also couples the processor to the non-volatile memory and driveunit. The non-volatile memory is often a magnetic floppy or hard disk; amagnetic-optical disk; an optical disk; a read-only memory (ROM) such asa CD-ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM; a magnetic or optical card; or another formof storage for large amounts of data. Some of this data is oftenwritten, by a direct memory access process, into memory during theexecution of software in the computer. The non-volatile storage can belocal, remote or distributed. The non-volatile memory is optionalbecause systems can be created with all applicable data available inmemory. A typical computer system will usually include at least aprocessor, memory, and a device (e.g., a bus) coupling the memory to theprocessor.

The software can be stored in the non-volatile memory and/or the driveunit. Indeed, storing an entire large program in memory may not even bepossible. Nevertheless, it should be understood that for software torun, it may be necessary to move the software to a computer-readablelocation appropriate for processing, and, for illustrative purposes;that location is referred to as memory in this application. Even whensoftware is moved to memory for execution, the processor will typicallymake use of hardware registers to store values associated with thesoftware and make use of a local cache that, ideally, serves toaccelerate execution. As used herein, a software program is can bestored at any known or convenient location (from non-volatile storage tohardware registers).

The bus also couples the processor to the network interface device. Theinterface can include one or more of a modem or network interface. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that a modem or network interface canbe considered to be part of the computer system. The interface caninclude an analog modem, an ISDN modem, a cable modem, a token ringinterface, a satellite transmission interface (e.g., “direct PC”), orother interface for coupling a computer system to other computersystems. The interface can include one or more input and/or outputdevices. The input and/or output devices can include, by way of examplebut not limitation, a keyboard, a mouse or other pointing device, diskdrives, printers, a scanner, and other input and/or output devices,including a display device. The display device can include, by way ofexample but not limitation, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), or some other applicable known or convenient displaydevice.

In operation, the assistant device can be controlled by operating systemsoftware that includes a file management system, such as a diskoperating system. The file management system is typically stored in thenon-volatile memory and/or drive unit and causes the processor toexecute the various acts required by the operating system to input andoutput data, and to store data in the memory, including storing files onthe non-volatile memory and/or drive unit.

Some items of the detailed description may be presented in terms ofalgorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bitswithin a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions andrepresentations are the means used by those skilled in the dataprocessing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their workto others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally,conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of operations leading to adesired result. The operations are those requiring physicalmanipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily,these quantities take the form of electronic or magnetic signals capableof being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and/or otherwisemanipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasonsof common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements,symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities, Unlessspecifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the followingdiscussion, those skilled in the art will appreciate that throughout thedescription, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or“computing” or “calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or“generating” or the like refer to the action and processes of a computersystem or similar electronic computing device that manipulates andtransforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities withinthe computer system's registers and memories into other data similarlyrepresented as physical quantities within the computer system's memoriesor registers or other such information storage, transmission, or displaydevices.

The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently relatedto any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purposesystems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachingsherein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specializedapparatuses to perform the methods of some embodiments. The requiredstructure for a variety of these systems will be apparent from thedescription below. In addition, the techniques are not described withreference to any particular programming language, and variousembodiments may thus be implemented using a variety of programminglanguages.

In further embodiments, the assistant device operates as a standalonedevice or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In anetworked deployment, the assistant device may operate in the capacityof a server or of a client machine in a client-server networkenvironment or may operate as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (ordistributed) network environment.

In some embodiments, the assistant devices include a machine-readablemedium. While the machine-readable medium or machine-readable storagemedium is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, theterm “machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium”should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., acentralized or distributed database and/or associated caches andservers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term“machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” shouldalso be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing,encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by themachine, and which causes the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies or modules of the presently disclosed technique andinnovation.

In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of thedisclosure may be implemented as part of an operating system or aspecific application, component, program, object, module, or sequence ofinstructions referred to as “computer programs.” The computer programstypically comprise one or more instructions set at various times invarious memory and storage devices in a computer that, when read andexecuted by one or more processing units or processors in a computer,cause the computer to perform operations to execute elements involvingvarious aspects of the disclosure.

Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the context of fullyfunctioning computers and computer systems, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the various embodiments are capable of beingdistributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that thedisclosure applies equally, regardless of the particular type ofmachine- or computer-readable media used to actually effect thedistribution.

Further examples of machine-readable storage media, machine-readablemedia, or computer-readable (storage) media include, but are not limitedto, recordable type media such as volatile and non-volatile memorydevices, floppy and other removable disks, hard disk drives, opticaldisks (e.g., Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROMS), Digital VersatileDiscs, (DVDs), etc.), among others, and transmission type media such asdigital and analog communication links.

In some circumstances, operation of a memory device, such as a change instate from a binary one to a binary zero or vice-versa, for example, maycomprise a transformation, such as a physical transformation. Withparticular types of memory devices, such a physical transformation maycomprise a physical transformation of an article to a different state orthing. For example, but without limitation, for some types of memorydevices, a change in state may involve an accumulation and storage ofcharge or a release of stored charge. Likewise, in other memory devices,a change of state may comprise a physical change or transformation inmagnetic orientation or a physical change or transformation in molecularstructure, such as from crystalline to amorphous or vice-versa. Theforegoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list in which a change instate for a binary one to a binary zero or vice-versa in a memory devicemay comprise a transformation, such as a physical transformation.Rather, the foregoing is intended as illustrative examples.

A storage medium may typically be non-transitory or comprise anon-transitory device. In this context, a non-transitory storage mediummay include a device that is tangible, meaning that the device has aconcrete physical form, although the device may change its physicalstate. Thus, for example, non-transitory refers to a device remainingtangible despite this change in state.

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the claimed subjectmatter has been provided for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimedsubject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Embodiments werechosen and described in order to best describe certain principles andpractical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the relevantart to understand the subject matter, the various embodiments and thevarious modifications that are suited to the particular usescontemplated.

While embodiments have been described in the context of fullyfunctioning computers and computer systems, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the various embodiments are capable of beingdistributed as a program product in a variety of forms and that thedisclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of machine-or computer-readable media used to actually effect the distribution.

Although the above Detailed Description describes certain embodimentsand the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appearsin text, the embodiments can be practiced in many ways. Details of thesystems and methods may vary considerably in their implementationdetails while still being encompassed by the specification. As notedabove, particular terminology used when describing certain features oraspects of various embodiments should not be taken to imply that theterminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specificcharacteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosed technique withwhich that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in thefollowing claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to thespecific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless those termsare explicitly defined herein. Accordingly, the actual scope of thetechnique encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments but also allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the embodiments under theclaims.

The language used in the specification has been principally selected forreadability and instructional purposes, and it may not have beenselected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. Itis therefore intended that the scope of the technique be limited not bythis Detailed Description, but rather by any claims that issue on anapplication based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of variousembodiments is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of thescope of the embodiments, which is set forth in the following claims.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments ofthe invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration,but that various modifications may be made without deviating from thescope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited exceptas by the appended claims.

1. (canceled)
 2. A computer program product, comprising one or morenon-transitory computer-readable media having computer programinstructions stored therein, the computer program instructions beingconfigured such that, when executed by one or more processors, thecomputer program instructions cause the one or more processors to:provide data associated with a graphical chart representing a price pershare based on a range of enterprise values for different types ofshares of a business enterprise; determine a selected enterprise valuefor the business enterprise based on a first position of an enterprisevalue indicator on the graphical chart; determine values of thedifferent types of shares based on the selected enterprise value;provide data indicating at least two values related to the differenttypes of shares, the data being displayed over the graphical chart basedon the first position of the enterprise value indicator; and dynamicallyupdate the data for display over the graphical chart based on a secondposition of the enterprise value indicator on the graphical chart, thesecond position being different from the first position.
 3. The computerprogram product of claim 2, wherein the different types of sharesinclude shares issued during a series round of venture capital financingand common shares.
 4. The computer program product of claim 2, whereinthe at least two values include a first value related to shares issuedduring a series round of venture capital financing and a second valuerelated to common shares.
 5. The computer program product of claim 2,wherein the graphical chart includes a first axis indicating the rangeof enterprise values and a second axis indicating the price per share.6. The computer program product of claim 2, wherein determining theselected enterprise value includes: determining, by the processor, aposition along an axis of the graphical chart representing the range ofenterprise values of the enterprise value indicator.
 7. The computerprogram product of claim 2, wherein the position represents the selectedenterprise value.
 8. The computer program product of claim 2, whereinthe range of enterprise values is based on information associated withrecorded venture capital transactions.
 9. A method comprising:providing, by a processor, data associated with a graphical chartrepresenting a price per share based on a range of enterprise values fordifferent types of shares of a business enterprise; determining, by theprocessor, a selected enterprise value for the business enterprise basedon a first position of an enterprise value indicator on the graphicalchart; determining, by the processor, values of the different types ofshares based on the selected enterprise value; providing, by theprocessor, data indicating at least two values related to the differenttypes of shares, the data being displayed over the graphical chart basedon the first position of the enterprise value indicator; and dynamicallyupdating, by the processor, the data for display over the graphicalchart based on a second position of the enterprise value indicator onthe graphical chart, the second position being different from the firstposition.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the different types ofshares include shares issued during a series round of venture capitalfinancing and common shares.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the atleast two values includes a first value related to shares issued duringa series round of venture capital financing and a second value relatedto common shares.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the graphical chartincludes a first axis indicating the range of enterprise values and asecond axis indicating the price per share.
 13. The method of claim 9,wherein determining the selected enterprise value includes: determining,by the processor, a position along an axis of the graphical chartrepresenting the range of enterprise values of the enterprise valueindicator.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the position representsthe selected enterprise value.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein therange of enterprise values is based on information associated withrecorded venture capital transactions.
 16. A system comprising: one ormore processors; and a memory including instructions that, when executedby the one or more processors, cause the system to: provide dataassociated with a graphical chart representing a price per share basedon a range of enterprise values for different types of shares of abusiness enterprise; determine a selected enterprise value for thebusiness enterprise based on a first position of an enterprise valueindicator on the graphical chart; determine values of the differenttypes of shares based on the selected enterprise value; provide dataindicating at least two values related to the different types of shares,the data being displayed over the graphical chart based on the firstposition of the enterprise value indicator; and dynamically update thedata for display over the graphical chart based on a second position ofthe enterprise value indicator on the graphical chart, the secondposition being different from the first position.
 17. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the at least two values include a first value relatedto shares issued during a series round of venture capital financing anda second value related to common shares.
 18. The system of claim 16,wherein the graphical chart includes a first axis indicating the rangeof enterprise values and a second axis indicating the price per share.19. The system of claim 16, wherein determining the selected enterprisevalue includes: determining, by the processor, a position along an axisof the graphical chart representing the range of enterprise values ofthe enterprise value indicator.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein theposition represents the selected enterprise value.
 21. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the range of enterprise values is based on informationassociated with recorded venture capital transactions.